CANORA, SASK.- Vic Hamer, a summer resident of Burgis Beach and president of the charitable organization, “Give Me Water Lord,” recently stopped by the office of The Canora Courier to say “hello” and give an update of his aid work in Kenya.
Hamer has been placing water wells in Kenya for the past 14 years including two in memory of residents from the east-central region; “Shelby’s Well" in memory of Shelby Brandon, daughter of Crystal and Troy McNaughton of Canora, and “Ches’s Well” in memory of Ches Patzer of Ebenezer.
On each mission, Hamer has brought people together people to create a relationship between “Give Me Water Lord,” the pastors and the communities receiving the support. Information provided by GMWL says, “With our contacts we are able to find reputable surveyors and well drilling teams. With the help of local people we are able to negotiate fair prices for drilling. As a result we can help in other ways with funds remaining with schools, orphanages, agriculture, food and clothing.”
This year, Hamer travelled to the neighbouring country of Uganda and placed a water well in memory of his parents, Carlynn and Frederick Hamer, called “Hamer’s Well.”
“This well is located on the Tekka School property and serves two schools, a church and the community,” said Hamer. “Approximately 640 people are now getting clear, disease-free water.
In addition to the water well, this project provided washing stations for the school students and staff.
“So they can now wash their hands after using the privy (bathroom) and before lunch,” said Hamer. “Clean water was piped to the cooking shed and a new privy was constructed for the teachers with a real shower!”
Hamer recalls how his parents are responsible for instilling in him the character trait of helping others.
“When Mom would make some soup, she always made extra and we had two widow ladies in the neighborhood. As a young boy, it was my job to deliver a bowl of soup to them. My Dad really didn't have any extra money, however if he saw someone in need, he always reached into his wallet and gave them something.”
Always looking ahead, Hamer is planning to return to Uganda to make some major improvements to the school classrooms.
“Currently many of the classrooms have dirt floors, no door or windows, the roofs leak, and there is no electricity.”
The estimated price tag on this project is $38,000 U.S.
Vic Hamer can be contacted by email: vichamer@gmail.com
Anyone interested in making a donation to this project may do so by making a bank transfer to:
Port Washington State Bank
Cedarsburg, Wisconsin 53012
Account number 9035031
Routing number 075902227
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